Why Me-Time Is Essential for Everyone

I was chatting to my friend Rosie on twitter this afternoon about taking time out for yourself, and it got me thinking.

I want you to ask yourself this question:

When was the last time you took an hour to do something for yourself, without feeling bad about it?

For me it was this afternoon when I took a bath and listened to an audiobook (You’re Never Weird on the Internet… Almost, by Felicia Day).

I changed Max, made sure he and Zack had snacks and were settled doing their own thing, and took around an hour to soak in the bath and just. let. go.

No feeling guilty that I “shouldn’t” be taking this time away from my children, away from the housework, away from the computer… just me and some naval gazing.

It. Was. Blissful.

I try to make a point of doing this at least once a week to make sure I don’t end up freaking myself out with overwhelm and thinking about ALL THE THINGS that need doing.

In fact, the weeks I jump in the shower instead I can tell… I genuinely feel more tense, “shoulding” all over myself (woohoo I made up a new verb! *cough*), and feeling less happy as a result.

I know not everyone has the time for a long hot bath. Christ, it’s taken me till my boys are 10 and nearly 8 to be able to do it, but there is always something you can do.

What about the ten minutes after the kids go to sleep to just sit and really enjoy that hot cup of tea?

Or sit down to watch a full tv program of your choice and NOT MOVE until it’s finished? (This is something I find difficult… I’m a fidget and am always up and down like a yo-yo while watching tv these days, which isn’t often!)

Maybedoing some colouring while the kids do some alongside you. Or you know, bang their cars together making crashing sounds around you while *you* do colouring in. Ok this one maybe isn’t the best bet… I would get frustrated far too quickly at that! 😉

All I’m saying is, it’s REALLY important to take some time out of your week for YOU.

Put it in your calendar.

TAKE that time for yourself. OWN it!

And don’t let anyone make you feel guilty for it either – most of all you!

Totally! It can be hard with kids, especially when they’re little, but even something like putting on your fave lippy (even if that’s all you put on!) is something just for you and can make a difference. 🙂

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Hey lovely, thanks for visiting my little space on the interwebs! I guess I should introduce myself, huh? Well, I'm Marylin, 33, a single mama living in the heart of Scotland with my two sons who are 12 and 10. I write about our family life, autism, blogging and a plethora of other hobbies such as reading the cards, personal development, building confidence, and self esteem as a mum. If you'd like to know more just click on "About" up on the top left there to read the rest. Hope you have a great day!